Fighting Customs Fraud: Higher Penalties and Private Lawsuits.
This Act significantly increases financial penalties and introduces import bans for companies involved in customs fraud or gross negligence. For the first time, it allows injured U.S. manufacturers and unions to sue customs cheats directly in federal court. These changes aim to protect American businesses and workers from unfair foreign competition, potentially leading to job stability and fairer market prices.
Key points
Penalties for customs fraud are tripled, and penalties for gross negligence can increase up to ten times the domestic value in certain cases.
Companies found guilty of customs fraud or gross negligence face a ban on importing merchandise into the U.S. (5 years for fraud, 2 years for gross negligence).
U.S. manufacturers, unions, and wholesalers can bring private civil actions against importers for customs fraud, seeking damages and import injunctions.
A presumption of knowledge of the violation is established for purchasers buying merchandise from affiliated persons previously found guilty of customs violations.
Status:
Expired
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